Everyone Needs a Tribe – This is Mine

Have you ever found yourself in a group of people, and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to connect? It’s a lonely feeling.

For most of my young adult life, I felt like the odd one out. Things that were interesting to me just weren’t interesting to most people I knew. I often struggled to find ways to connect. It felt as if something was missing. I couldn’t really put my finger on it. I had overwhelming feelings of boredom. Apathy. Disinterest. Restlessness.

It wasn’t until I began traveling abroad, that I realized I was deeply infected with wanderlust.  On the road – uncomfortable and alone – that’s when I truly began to find my people. My community. My tribe.  

Seth Godin describes a tribe as “A group of people connected to one another…and connected to an idea.  A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.”

To this day, I’m most comfortable in my skin when I am surrounded by fellow adventurers. Those with a deep love of travel. There is a shared reverence of experience, food, history, architecture, and art.  

Travelers love to consider new ideas. New perspectives. New experiences.

I was recently with a group of women and I just couldn’t connect. We had very little in common, and it felt quite lonely to be the odd one out. While I believe that it’s important to surround yourself with diversity, it’s also important to have a place where you can be yourself.  

Finding your tribe is important, and successful people make sure they are a part of a community. We see this time and again. Weight loss groups. Internet forums. Message boards.

My personal tribe consists of travelers. People who love to travel “third world and dirty.”  People who love to be uncomfortable, try new foods, and experience new perspectives.

Have you ever been with a group of people where the time flies by? Where the conversation is easy, and you can’t wait to hear more? When you want to stay for one more drink.  Another hour.

Maybe it’s that group of imperfect, sarcastic moms that ease your guilt and make you laugh and relax.

Or those healthy eaters that love to share tips on their diet and workouts.  Those people that give you inspiration and a healthy dose of competition?

Maybe your tribe is that geeky group that just loves comic books, role-playing and strategy games?

It’s important to be yourself. It’s important to find your people. And if you haven’t, that’s ok.  Just keep doing you and sooner or later you’ll find them. And it’ll be the greatest thing ever.